35-11-1204. Right of entry.

(a) The director, administrator of the abandoned mine land division, or their designated authorized representative shall have the right to enter upon or have access to any property adversely affected by past coal mining practices to restore, reclaim, abate, control or prevent the adverse effects if the director makes a finding that:

(i) The adverse effects on land or water resources are such that, in the public interest, the action should be taken; and

(ii) The owners of the property either are not known or readily available or refuse to give permission to enter.

(b) Prior to entry, notice shall be given by mail to the owners, if known, or if not known, by posting notice upon the premises and advertising once in a newspaper of general circulation in the locality of the land.

(c) Monies expended for work on or to the premises and the benefits accruing to any premises entered upon shall be chargeable against the land and shall mitigate or offset any claim of or any action brought by any owner of any interest in the premises for any alleged damages by virtue of the entry. However, this provision is not intended to create new rights of action or eliminate existing immunities.

(d) The director, administrator of the abandoned mine land division, or their designated authorized representatives shall have the right to enter upon any property for the purpose of conducting exploratory work to determine the feasibility to restore, reclaim, abate, control or prevent the adverse effects.

(e) Any entry under this section shall be construed as an exercise of the state's police power and shall not be construed as an act of condemnation or trespass.